Truth Magazine

By Connie W. Adams

Changes Of A Half-Century

During a recent meeting in Houston, Mississippi, we talked with a couple who attended their fiftieth high school graduation reunion held over the weekend our meeting began. The following item was handed out to those present. Young people of today have grown up in a world far different. Maybe this will help them to understand older people a little better. For those of us who are older, it will not only generate some nostalgia but also serve as an indicator of how far we have come from such times and what the implications of that really are.

We Are Survivors

Consider the Changes We Have Witnessed

We were born before television, before penicillin, before polio shots, before frozen food, Xerox, plastic, contact lens, freebies, and the pill. We were before radar, credit cards, split atoms, laser beams and ball point pens. Before pantyhose, dishwashers, clothes dryers, electric blankets, air conditioning, drip-dry clothes, and before man walked on the moon.

We got married first and then lived together. How quaint can you be? Bunnies were small rabbits, and rabbits were not Volkswagens. Designer jeans were scheming girls named Jean, and having a meaningful relationship meant getting along with your cousins.

We thought outer space was the back of the picture show. We were before house husbands, gay rights, computer dating, dual careers, and computer marriages. We were before day-care centers, group therapy and nursing homes. We never heard of FM radio, tape decks, electronic typewriters, artificial hearts, word processors, yogurt and guys wearing earrings. For us, time-sharing meant togetherness, not computers or condominiums. A chip was a piece of wood. Hardware meant hardware, and software wasn’t even a word.

Back then, “Made in Japan” meant junk and the term “making out” referred to how you did on your exam. Pizzas, McDonalds, and instant coffee were unheard of. We hit the scene where there were 5 and 10 cent Stores where you bought things for 5 or 10 cents. Houston Drug or Tabb Brothers Drug Store sold ice cream cones for a nickel or a dime. For one nickel you could make a phone call, buy a Pepsi or enough stamps to mail one letter and two postcards. You could buy a new Chevy coupe for $600, but who could afford one? Pity, too, because gas cost 11 cents a gallon!

In our day grass was mowed, coke was a cold drink, and pot was something you cooked in. Rock music was a grandmother’s lullaby and AIDS were helpers in the principal’s office. We were certainly not before the difference between the sexes was discovered, but we were surely before the sex change. We made do with what we had. And, we were the last generation that was so dumb as to think you needed a husband to have a baby.

No wonder we are so confused and there is such a generation gap today. But, we survived! What better reason to celebrate?

Report from India

John Humphries reports on his recent trip to India along with Bill Beasley. We rejoice that 21 were baptized in the meetings where John and Bill preached and Indian preachers who conducted meetings during the same time frame reported the same number baptized. As before, the emphasis of their work was to strengthen the hands of native preachers through intensive studies of the Bible to better equip them for their work. John reports that through the generosity of American brethren, they were able to provide 800 Telugu Bibles, 200 Hindu Bibles, 1,000 Telugu song books, 325,000 Telugu and Hindu gospel tracts, 1 mimeo-graph machine (and supplies) and 4 typewriters for Indian brethren. John also was able to visit Kilari, at the center of the devastating earthquake which struck India last fall. 33,000 people died in the city and the city is now reduced to rubble. Some brethren lost their lives and homes. Widows and children are now being cared for by other Christians with the financial help of other Christians.

Preaching: More or Less?

Why are brethren having shorter and shorter meetings? Why have some concluded that the day of gospel meetings is over? Why is there such a problem, in some places, getting people to come to a Sunday evening meeting where the gospel is preached? Is it because too much preaching is mediocre, or fails to make contact with the real spiritual needs of those who hear? By the way, what, exactly, are those needs? Or is it that our lives have become so crowded and cluttered that occasions for hearing the gospel are simply inconvenient? With all our modem gadgets and labor saving devices, why is it that this generation of Americans, including many Christians, has so over-committed their time that sports, social activities, careers, extra jobs, houses, yards, and trips have crowded the gospel and interest in it off into a very small corner of our lives?

Is this not what Jesus meant when he spoke of the seed of the kingdom falling into “thorny ground”? Is it not still true that “it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe”? Is not the gospel still “the power of God unto salvation”? (1 Cor. 1:21; Rom. 1:16) Is the gospel less powerful? Or, are we just less inclined to hear it?

Guardian of Truth XXXVIII: 15, p. 3-4
August 4, 1994

By James F. Miller

It has been the observation of not only this writer but others within the Lord’s church that there are two kinds of last-minute worshipers. There are those who wait till the very last minute to show up for services and usually miss Bible study altogether; then they are usually the first to leave the building so they can get on with whatever plans they have made for the day. Then there is the second type, the one who doesn’t see the need to assemble themselves with the saints at all, except on what they consider, and by what the world would consider as, special days (aka “holy days”). Then on their death bed, they expect God to over-look their life of sin and pleasure, thus forgiving them and having the best of both realms.

Let me state at this time that it is not my intent to stand in judgment of such people, for just as I will, they too will stand before the judgment seat of Christ and give ac-count of the things done in this life (Rom. 14:10-12). How-ever, all Christians are responsible for seeing that the word of God is spread through-out the world, and we are to correct error whenever possible. Having established the intent of this article, lets look at what the Scriptures say about what and who a true worshiper of God is, and let his word be the judge.

According to our Lord in John 4:23 the Father (God) is seeking those who will worship him “in spirit and in truth.” The 24th verse clearly teaches that if we are going to worship God in a manner that will be pleasing to him that it will have to be in this manner. The apostles taught that the assembling together of the saints was an important part of the Christian life. Look at what was said in Hebrews 10:25. In Romans 12:1-2 Paul teaches that we are to be “living sacrifices, holy and acceptable to God” and that this is really nothing more than our “reasonable service.” Paul goes on to warn us not to be “conformed to this world” but to “be transformed by the renewing of our minds so we can prove the acceptable and perfect will of God.” In the par-able of the two foundations, Jesus asked, “Why do you call me Lord, Lord, and do not the things I say?” (Lk. 6:46) And then continuing with this same line of reasoning he goes on to teach that those who hear him and do the things he says will be like the man who built his house on the rock (Lk. 6:47-49).

Anyone who wants to be a member of God’s family must first realize that they must do things in the manner set within the pages of the New Testament. In Acts 2, the clear plan of how to become a Christian is given to us by Peter in his first sermon. I would urge you to read this chapter and pay close attention to verses 42-47 for this is the theme of the Bible to teach man how to live in accordance with God’s will that he might inherit a home in heaven. I submit to you that the manner in which we live our lives while here upon this earth directly effects where we will spend our eternity. If we only give God lip service can we really expect our worship to be pleasing to him? This writer cannot honestly say that God can’t or won’t save those who call on him when they are on their death bed, or that he will turn those away who are al-ways waiting till the last minute to serve him in true worship. Such is God’s decision alone. But in light of what the Scriptures teach about the way we are to live in order to please God, doesn’t it make more sense to live our lives by the examples given to us within the teachings of our Lord Jesus Christ and his inspired apostles? If we can be pleasing to God by doing Bible things in Bible ways and worshiping him in the manner he wants why would we want to take the chance of missing a home in heaven by not doing all that we can now to serve him and our fellow man?

It is this writer’s plea that everyone who reads this will be reminded of what is taught in James 1:22, “But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only deceiving your-selves.” And remember our Lord taught in Matthew 7:21-23 that “not all who say to me, Lord, Lord, shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he that does the will of my Father in heaven.” Cr

Guardian of Truth XXXVIII: 14, p. 21
July 21, 1994

By Ron Daly

God intends for marriage to be a completely fulfilling and permanent relationship. “For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife; and the two shall become one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let no man separate” (Matt. 19:5-6).

Choosing a mate is the single most crucial and important decision that one will make, except for becoming a Christian. Therefore, it is not to be taken lightly, nor is one to “set sail” onto the often murky waters of marriage without much mature contemplation and prayer to God, and counsel with those of much experience, knowledge, and wisdom. There are legitimate questions which one should ask himself and a prospective mate before, long before, “I do” is said in the matrimonial ceremony, and some of the questions are:

Does he or she believe in God? Regardless of how much they say that they believe in me, do they believe in deity? No matter how much I believe in them, do they believe in God, and are they prepared to do the best they can to obey the will of God? If not, you will be marrying a fool (Psa. 14:1), and you will be marrying someone who cannot please God (Heb. 11:6). Is this what you want? Can you be spiritually stable in such a set of circumstances? Can your mate really give you the genuine spiritual encouragement that you need in such a situation?

Has the person been married before? Did the previous mate die? If so, according to God’s word he is “free from the law” that bound him to the mate and may marry another (Rom. 7:2-3; 1 Cor. 7:39). Has the person been involved in a divorce? If so, did he “put away” his mate because the mate committed the sin of fornication? If so, according to the word of the Lord the person may marry again, but if not, or if the person is the one who was divorced because of fornication which he committed, he has no scriptural right to contract another marriage (Matt. 19:9; Mk. 10:11-12; Lk. 16:18). Young friend, regardless of the emotional attraction you think you have for the person, if he has no right to marry you, it is not worth putting your soul in eternal peril!

Is the person a member of the Lord’s church and faithful? Just being a member of Jesus’ spiritual body may not be sufficient. Is the person faithful? Will he go to worship with you? Not, will he see to it that a way is made available for you to get to worship, but will he go by your side? If not, you will not be marrying a Christian, and this is definitely not the wise thing to do (1 Cor. 9:5). A person who is a member of the body of Christ, but not faithful in study, attendance, teaching, and living will not be an asset, but a detriment. God commands us to “continue growing in grace and knowledge” (2 Pet. 3:18). Do you really want or need someone who cannot assist you in accomplishing your growth in the Lord?

Are you choosing the person as a potential mate because he looks good, or because he is good? One is much better off marrying a person who looks like he has been “run over by a Mac truck,” but is thoughtful, gentle, and godly, than to marry someone who is “regal and stately in appearance,” but who engages in verbal and physical brutality, and has no respect for God, you, and your feelings. Physical beauty will only last as long as “Father Time” is merciful. Even the most adorable will eventually lose the luster of youth, but “the hidden man of the heart, the incorruptible apparel of a meek and quiet spirit, is in the sight of God of great price” (1 Pet. 3:3-6). Get someone who loves you for you without placing too much emphasis on outward, fleeting beauty.

How is the person treating you during the period of courtship? Is he attempting to get you to cast aside your virginity for a few moments of sinful sexual pleasure? Has he attempted to force you into sexual activity? Have you found the person to be completely loyal to you during the courtship, or has he played the field with many women? Has she played many men? Does he attempt to engage in petting during dates? Does he seek to put his hands in places that are to be kept private until you are married? If so, how can you be sure that he can be trusted after marriage?

Is he willing to work and support a family? Does he have a mature sense of responsibility? Is he qualified to assume the role of a husband, the leader of the family? Does he manage his money well? Does he “hop from job to job”? Is he steady in his employment? Have his parents spoiled him in giving him everything that he wants, or have they taught him to earn a living (1 Tim. 5:8; Eph. 4:28)? ct

Guardian of Truth XXXVIII: 15, p. 11
August 4, 1994

By Louis Sharp

The gossipers oft’ begin their tales of woe with well-worn phrases, such as, “They say.” or “Have you heard?” or apologetically, “I hate to tell you this, but. . .” And thus, the tale unfolds. One might rationalize that the Bible is silent on this subject, as gossip is so widespread. Yet, the very opposite is true. I will cite but a few of the many passages.

“Thou shalt not go up and down as a talebearer among thy people: neither shalt thou stand against the blood of thy neighbour; I am the Lord.” The verse following is very revealing. “Thou shalt not hate thy brother in thine heart” (Lev. 19:16-17).

“These six things doth the Lord hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, an heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, a false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren” (Prov. 6:16-19).

Still, in Proverbs: “He that hideth hatred with lying lips, and he that uttereth a slander, is a fool” (10:18). “A fool’s mouth is his destruction, and his lips are the snare of his soul. The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly” (18:7-8).

Continuing with Solomon, in Proverbs 20, we read: “It is an honour for a man to cease from strife: but every fool will be meddling” (v. 3). He that goeth about as a talebearer revealeth secrets: therefore meddle not with him that flattereth with his lips (v. 19). And in chapter 26: “Where no wood is, there the fire goeth e” t: so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth” (v. 20).

Concerning the listener, we are reminded that “a wicked doer giveth heed to false lips; and a liar giveth ear to a naughty tongue” (17:4).

Tattlers and gossipers are meddlers in other men’s affairs. God will judge. Our blessed Lord taught, “A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things. But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment” (Matt. 12:35-36).

Let us carefully and prayerfully guard our speech!

Guardian of Truth XXXVIII: 15, p. 4
August 4, 1994